Category: JAPAN

Tokyo-based ispace’s second attempt at a lunar soft landing failed Friday when contact was lost with the Resilience spacecraft during descent. The mission aimed to make ispace the first non-US private company to achieve controlled Moon touchdown. Communication ceased during the final approach to Mare Frigoris region. Only five nations have successfully landed on the Moon.READ FULL

A man threw firebombs into the headquarters of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo, causing no injuries. The attack comes amid the party’s declining popularity due to a funding scandal. With lower house elections set for October 27, the party faces challenges, including heckling of candidates. The LDP recently chose Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader to improve its image. This incident follows the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during an election campaign.READ FULL

Japan’s elderly population has reached a record high of 36.25 million, accounting for 29.3% of the total population. This makes Japan the world’s fastest-aging society among countries with over 100,000 people. The aging population is causing economic challenges, including rising healthcare costs and a shrinking workforce. Despite government efforts, Japan’s overall population decreased by 595,000 to 124 million. Notably, 9.14 million elderly people were employed in 2023, representing 13.5% of the total workforce.READ FULL

Japanese earthquake scientists warn of a potential “megaquake” following a magnitude 7.1 tremor in southern Japan that injured eight people. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first advisory under a new system, stating the likelihood of a major earthquake is higher than normal. Japan, situated on four tectonic plates, experiences frequent earthquakes. The government previously estimated a 70% probability of a megaquake within 30 years, which could affect the Pacific coastline and threaten 300,000 lives. AFP

A group of over 400 multinational companies, including 87 Japanese firms, has urged Japan to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2035. The RE100 group called for an increase from 121 to 363 gigawatts in Japan’s upcoming Strategic Energy Plan. This aligns with global efforts to triple renewable energy within seven years, as Japan currently has one of the lowest renewable shares among G7 nations. Source AFP